This year the seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three types of flu including Influenza A:California 2009 H1N1 and H3N2 (new) and Influenza B (new). Residents who received the flu vaccine in previous seasons should be immunized with this year’s flu vaccine for optimal protection.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine annually. Pregnant women should also be immunized against the flu. If a pregnant woman gets the flu, it can cause serious medical problems for her and her baby. If you are pregnant be sure to talk to your medical provider about where to get your special preservative-free flu vaccine.

The public health department hosts annual community flu shot clinics throughout Lassen County during the month of September. Clinics were held Sept. 4 at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Bieber and at the Spalding Community Center at Eagle Lake.

A clinic will be held at the Westwood Community One Stop from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Other clinics will be held at the Fort Sage One Stop from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21 and at the Doyle Community Center from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21.

The Susanville Community Drive-Through Clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

If you are unable to attend these clinics, the public health department offers weekly flu clinics from 1 to 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday afternoon at 1445 Paul Bunyan Rd.The cost for the flu vaccine is $2 per person.

For more information, call the Lassen County Public Health Department at 251-8183.